My Favorite Herbal Tonics I: Hawthorn

HAWTHORN: THE SUPER HEART TONIC

Crataegus Oxycantha, or Hawthorn, is a spiny shrub with simple toothed leaves and white flowers. It grows mostly in the eastern and central regions of the United States as well as Europe and Asia. The fruit is a dry red berry that has been used medicinally over the world for centuries.

Traditional uses of the hawthorn berry include treating a variety of heart conditions such as irregular heartbeat, chest pain, arteriosclerosis, heart failure and high blood pressure. The supplement may improve heart health because the plant contains antioxidants called quercetin and oligomeric procyandins. These antioxidants help destroy free radicals that damage cell membranes, alter DNA and cause cell death. The number of free radicals in the body increases with age and toxins in the environment, such as pollution and ultraviolet light. The benefits of the antioxidants in hawthorn berry include dilatation of blood vessels, improvement of blood flow in the body and protection of blood vessels from further damage.

Some History about Hawthorn

Crataegus, or Hawthorn berries, was introduced into medicine as a heart remedy by Dr. Greene of Ennis, Ireland. Dr. Greene had for many years a reputation for curing heart disease that made many patients flock to him from all parts of the United Kingdom. He cured most of them and amassed considerable wealth by means of his secret, for, contrary to the medical code and despite being a physician in good standing, refused to reveal the remedy to his professional colleagues. After his death, his daughter revealed the name of the remedy. It was Hawthorn.

So, what are the main health benefits of Hawthorn?

1/ Hawthorn Lowers Blood Pressure

In her book "Family Herbal-A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality," herbalist Rosemary Gladstar labels hawthorn berries as the herb supreme for the heart, since they tone and strengthen the blood vessels and heart muscle. Gladstar writes that hawthorn berry tea helps dilate veins and arteries, releasing cardiovascular constrictions and reducing blood pressure by allowing the blood to flow more freely. 
Herbalist David Hoffmann suggests in his book "The New Holistic Herbal," to make hawthorn berry tea mixed with lime blossom, yarrow and mistletoe, as a treatment for high blood pressure.

2/ Hawthorn is a Heart Tonic

Hawthorn is known as a cardiac tonic, as it has twin paradoxical effects, says Simon Mills in his book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism." It acts by depressing or stimulating the activity of the heart and circulatory system, depending upon need. 
In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berries are used to help digest fatty foods, due to their sour taste and as an agent to promote blood circulation. These two attributes make them a tonic that is used to treat high cholesterol and blood lipid levels, arteriosclerosis and hypertension, says acupuncturist Michael Tierra in his book, "The Way of Chinese Herbs."

3/ Hawthorn strengthens the Heart

According to herbalist Richo Cech in his book "Making Plant Medicine," hawthorn berries are used to fortify the heart, especially as an ongoing aid in the recuperation from heart surgery and heart attack. He writes that it strengthens the heart muscle while also promoting a sense of open-hearted well-being. 
Authors Steven Foster and James Duke wrote the field guide "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs," about how American Indians used hawthorn berry tea in their folk medicine tradition. Hawthorn tea as a treatment for the heart is confirmed by at least 14 controlled clinical studies, these authors claim.

How to take Hawthorn

Hawthorn berries have a tart taste. They are used in jams, jellies, fruit punch and pies. They can also be brewed into a tea. Hawthorn berries are carefully harvested for culinary and medicinal use. Do not eat wild hawthorn berries. The seeds of hawthorn berries contain cyanide, a toxin that converts to hydrogen cyanide -- a poisonous gas -- in the intestines.

The best way of taking Hawthorn is in tincture form, either alcoholic or glycerin based. It can also be taken in capsules. Standard dosage: 1 ml liquid extract, 3x day or standardized capsule, 100-250 mg 3xl day. (20 ml dose for acute angina attack). However, always check with your doctor or homeopath for appropriate individual dosages.

Interactions with other Drugs

Hawthorn berry might cause drug interactions when taken with medications used for treating high blood pressure. According to "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide," hawthorn can interact with digoxin and phenylephrine. Digoxin is a prescription medication used for treating irregular heartbeats and hypertension. Hawthorn should also not be used with digitalis since it may decrease the dosage requirements of the drug.

I love herbal tonics because that´s what they are, tonics, which means medicinal substances whose primary function is to heal through nourishing and toning our internal organs.

Finally, always remember to check with your doctor and your homeopath

 before making decisions about herbal supplements.

SUSANA AIKIN, CCH, is a graduate of the School of Homeopathy of New York and certified by the US Council of Classical Homeopathy. She has been practicing homeopathy for the last fifteen years, both in Europe and in New York. She teaches regularly at the Barcelona French Osteopathic School MES and the Madrid School of Doulas. For a consultation call 1 347 314 8767 or send email to susanaaikin@gmail.com

HOMEOPATHY FOR THE HEART

HOMEOPATHY AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Despite medical advances in diagnostics and treatment, cardiovascular disease still remains the most common cause of death in the United States. Myocardial infarction or heart attack is still the main cause of cardiovascular deaths. It is estimated that over 60 million people in the United States suffer from cardiovascular disease, the most common conditions being high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris.

There are many risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease: not all of them can be easily controlled. The natural process of aging and hereditary predispositions are risk factors difficult to control. For example, up to 50 years of age, men are at a higher risk to develop heart disease than women; however, after a woman enters menopause, her risk of cardiovascular disease triples.

Many cardiovascular patients suffer additionally from high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, atherosclerosis, diabetes and or obesity, all of which increase the risks of heart disease. Most health related organizations recommend the same basic changes in lifestyle in order to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. The main recommendations are: stopping smoking, exercising regularly and following a healthy diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.

It is essential that we seek to be checked by a cardiologist and properly diagnosed at the first symptoms of cardiovascular dysfunction. But besides allopathic treatment and changes in lifestyle, it is wise to seek other alternative methods that will strengthen our overall health.

Homeopathic medicine is a holistic system that treats the patient in his or her entirety. It takes into account the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the health of a person. It never just treats on symptom, but the whole gamut of expressions of the person´s health. It also has many remedies that relate to the heart and to those patients who present cardiovascular conditions with the final objective of enhancing the immune system and the general vitality of the person.

Although, heart conditions should always be treated by a professional homeopath in conjunction with a regular cardiologist, we are presenting here a few examples of classical homeopathic remedies that are frequently given to cardiovascular patients in daily homeopathic practice.

AURUM may be indicated for serious individuals with a tendency to depression and melancholy, who have great sense of responsibility and whose cardiovascular problems are related to stress. They have a tendency towards high blood pressure and cholesterol. It has been known to help in cases of rheumatic endocarditis and atheroma of the heart and arteries.

ARGENTUM NITRICUM is beneficial for individuals who suffer from anxiety and present violent palpitations to the least emotion; they tend to feel worse when lying in a horizontal position and better when walking quickly. They tend to be nervous and impulsive people with many phobias and fears, who really like sugar and can be very creative and artistic.

PLUMBUM is indicated for patients with degenerative symptoms of the nervous system and hardening of veins and arteries. It has been known to help in cases of chronic endocarditis, cardiac hypertrophy with atheroma of the aorta and cardiac arrest.

LACHESIS is suitable for passionate personalities, who can be very loquacious, tend to feel distrust, jealousy and a desire for revenge. They can feel oppression in the chest, have attacks suffocation and fainting, and suffer from atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. All the symptoms worsen with sleep and warmth.

NAJA is a remedy especially indicated for injuries of the valves of the heart and conditions that present violent palpitations with headaches, and tend to be very sad and depressed.

VIPERA presents violent pains in the chest with a cold feeling; a tendency of the chest to swell with difficulty breathing, nausea in the abdomen and numbness in the arms. There might be symptoms of gangrene, phlebitis and stroke.

SPIGELIA is an important remedy for rheumatic pericarditis. It has the peculiarity of feeling pain radiating from the heart to the back, or from the heart to the arms. The palpitations of the heart are painful and so loud they can be heard.

ACONITUM NAPELUS is one of the main homeopathic remedies for acute situations of heart attack. The patient has violent palpitations and feels intense pains that radiate from the heart to the left arm, with numbness and tingling in the fingers. Meanwhile they are in a state of great anxiety and fear of death.

Finally, it is important to remember that self-medication is never advisable and we should always seek the advice of a professional homeopath.

SUSANA AIKIN, CCH, is a graduate of the School of Homeopathy of New York and certified by the US Council of Classical Homeopathy. She has been practicing homeopathy for the last fifteen years, both in Europe and in New York. She teaches regularly at the Barcelona French Osteopathic School MES and the Madrid School of Doulas. For a consultation call 1 347 314 8767 or send email to susanaaikin@gmail.com

THE BASIC HOMEOPATHIC HOME KIT

THE BASIC HOMEOPATHIC HOME KIT

The basic concept in classical homeopathy is the individual holistic treatment of the person. This is best accomplished through what we constitutional treatment of the patient, in which the homeopath prescribes a single homeopathic remedy that covers the greatest number of symptoms of the patient as well as his or her individual personality.

Classical homeopaths do not tend to prescribe remedies just to alleviate a patient´s isolated symptoms (e.g. headache or ear infection), and rarely do they apply general protocols for pathological conditions (e.g. diabetes or ulcerative colitis). This is because classical homeopathy believes that treating isolated symptoms only suppressed them, without removing the deep cause of the problem. However, it is also possible to use homeopathy as emergency medicine for certain situations, e.g. ARNICA  for trauma to the tissues in blows and accidents.  Many times, being able to administer a homoeopathic remedy on the spot, resolves the situation and avoids a visit to the pediatrician or the hospital; other times, although going to the hospital is vital, the homeopathic remedy can sustain healing on the way while arriving at the hands of specialized medical personnel.

Below we are listing  some of the homeopathic remedies which every home should have for emergencies.

ACONITUM NAPELLUS: Is a remedy for acute states of shock; shock of cold, flu, colds and neuralgia treatment.

ARNICA MONTANA: Remedy for accidents, shock, trauma to the tissues; prevents infection and septic processes.

APIS MELLIFICA: Insect bites which smart and become inflammed, swelling that improves with cold applications, urticaria, sunburn and allergies.

ARSENICUM ALBUM: Colds with chilly feeling, bronchitis with asthmatic breathing; food poisoning with food in bad condition with vomiting and diarrhea, patient is cold and very anxious.

BELLADONNA: High fever with sweating, red and congested face, headaches with agitation, hallucinations and even seizures.

CHAMOMILLA: Pain in teeth; especially indicated for difficult and painful infant teething; the child is very irritable and gets angry at anything; she only calms down if rocked in the arms.

COCCULUS INDICUS: Motion sickness in a car or boat.

HYPERICUM: Damage to nerve endings because of injuries, accidents or surgery.

LEDUM: Injuries due to lacerations, punctures, insect bites. Also for ankle sprains.

NUX VOMICA: Indigestion because of excess food and drink, alcohol hangovers, poisoning by meat in bad condition.

PULSATILLA: Colds with bland yellow and greenish mucus, ear infections, pink eye. The child is weepy and clings to mother.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON: Urticaria by contact with nettles and rheumatic pains which are worse in wet weather.

RUTA GRAVEOLANS: Treatment of dislocations, sprains and tendinitis which are worse by motion.

SILICA: Helps the drainage of abcesses and infected wounds, aids the body in the expulsion of foreign objects in the body such as thorns and small shards of glass.

The ideal potency for these home remedies is 30 C. The best way to take remedies is to dissolve three pellets in half a cup of water and take a tablespoon every four hours. We also remind you that homeopathic remedies should never touched with the hands. Remedies should be discontinued as soon as you see an improvement; if, on the other hand, if after four doses there seems to be no positive effect, they should be discontinued and another remedy will have to be selected. While taking homeopathic remedies should avoid coffee, mint or menthol products, heavy perfumes or colognes. Remedies should be taken half an hour before or after meals.

AND REMEMBER ALWAYS TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR if you have any of these symptoms: Fever over 102, shortness of breath or a persistent uncontrollable cough, you are persistently coughing up green and yellow sputum, you have a headache and neck pain or stiff neck, you have severe ear pain, pain around your eyes, especially with a green nasal discharge, tender lymph nodes around the neck, white coating on the throat or tonsils with a rash, or prolonged hoarseness. Rule out meningitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, strep, kidney infection, etc.

SUSANA AIKIN, CCH, is a graduate of the School of Homeopathy of New York and certified by the US Council of Classical Homeopathy. She has been practicing homeopathy for the last fifteen years, both in Europe and in New York. She teaches regularly at the Barcelona French Osteopathic School MES and the Madrid School of Doulas. For a consultation call 1 347 314 8767 or send email to susanaaikin@gmail.com

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR COLD AND FLU

COLD AND FLU PROTOCOLS

Alongside with the constitutional treatment prescribed by your homeopath, here is a list of home remedies to have in mind when you come down with a cold or the flu. The following are naturopathic preventative measures to boost your immune system, avoid getting really sick, or to shorten the duration of your illness. You do not need to do all of them, just choose a few that seem easy for you.

The first rule is, when you feel something coming on, take it easy and rest. Cancel activities or appointments that are not absolutely necessary. Taking one day off from work early on may prevent you from being sick for an entire week later on.

Remember, that although a virus may be a contributing factor in catching a cold, it is really  a weakened immune system hurt by stress, a poor diet and not enough sleep the real cause of the problem. The following tend to be among the main culprits behind a cold or a flu:

-Not enough sleep or rest

-Not eating well: too much sugar, coffee or processed foods, or

-Eating foods you are allergic to (like wheat, dairy, yeast) that weaken your immune system

-Working long hours, over-doing it, too many social activities as well as too much travel

Every once in a while, the body needs an extended rest period. An illness can be your body’s signal to take it easy. If you don´t listen to these signals, you could be at risk of developing bronchitis, pneumonia, a sinus infection, a chronic flu-like state, or chronic fatigue. STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR BODY. 

SO WHAT TO DO AT THE FIRST SYMPTOMS OF COLD OR FLU?

GARGLE every couple of hours, especially if you have any throat symptoms.

Add 2 teaspoons sea salt to 8 ounces of pure water.

Gargle and spit out.

You can also gargle with Raw Apple Cider Vinegar.

BRUSH TEETH: Brush frequently, every 2-3 hours. It helps clean out your mouth.

Throw away your toothbrush when you are better.

FOR EAR PAIN:  

Pour warm mullein oil or garlic oil in ear as long as eardrum has not ruptured.

Fill a white cotton sock with salt, heat it in microwave or on top of stove, put it on your pillow and rest your ear on it---pulls out moisture/infections.

Try the legendary COLD WET SOCK TRICK

This old method helps relieve nasal or chest congestion, earaches, sinusitis, and colds or upper respiratory infections by stimulating the immune system when the circulation is pulled toward the feet.

1.         Place a pair of thin cotton socks in the refrigerator or dip them

           in ice water. Keep them handy near the bathtub.

2.         Soak your feet in hot water for a few minutes.

3.         Dry your feet.

4.         Wring out the cold socks and put them on your feet.

5.         Put the thick dry wool socks over them.

6.         Get in bed and go to sleep. Leave the socks on all night, even after

            they have dried.

For young children or people with weak vitality, you can simply wet the toes of the socks. Contra-indicated for people with wool allergies, a very weak constitution, or a fungal infection on the feet.

KEEP your SINUSES CLEAN: Rinse at morning and evening with or a Neti pot or dropper:

Add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to one cup of warm water

For sinus congestion, drape a towel over your head and hold your head over a pot of steaming water. If you are not allergic to ragweed, you can add a few tea bags of Chamomile tea to the water to open up the nasal passages.

COUGHS: 

Cherry Bark syrup, Slippery Elm Lozenges, Licorice cough drops, Mullein tea, Slippery elm tea with honey. 

Wet Sock Treatment to calm cough on going to bed.

Castor Oil Pack on chest with heat.

FOOD AND NUTRITION

STOP EATING: 1. Sugar, any and all forms: fruit juice, soda, sports drinks, candy, baked goods, 2. Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream), 3. Coffee or other stimulants, 4. Omega 6 vegetable oils (canola, corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut, soybean oils) suppress the immune system 5. Processed Food in any form, 6. White Flour products.

Drink plenty of water to get rid of toxins, decrease stuffiness, and loosen secretions.

Tea: Hot lemon tea with grated ginger, packaged herbal teas (caffeine-free): Throat Coat, ginger, elderberry. Tea does not replace your need for pure water.

Eat lightly: Your body needs its energy to fight off illness rather than digesting food.  If you have a fever or 99 or more, your digestion dramatically slows.

Eat vegetable broths, miso soup, soups, warm vegetables and meat.

Drink homemade chicken broth, not canned.

Add finely chopped or minced raw garlic to your foods.

Add shiitake mushrooms to your food or soup as they boost immune system.

REST AND SLEEP – ESSENTIAL FACTORS:

Get in bed and rest as soon as possible. Delegate your responsibilities.

Your body is asking you to slow down. Keep in mind that your immune system is working hard and many toxins are leaving your body. GIVE IT A CHANCE TO HEAL.

Fevers below 102 degrees are helpful in fighting infection. Call your doctor if a fever lasts more than two days or rises above 103 degrees.

Use a hot water bottle to stay warm if you are chilly or sore. It can be moved around to keep you as warm as desired. Hot water bottles have a soothing, comforting presence. Avoid heating pads and electric blankets as they weaken your immune system.

Sleep and take naps as much as you can. Read, watch a favorite, uplifting movie or show you enjoy.

Incorporate gentle exercise like a short walk or stretching your joints to enhance circulation and perspiration.

ENVIRONMENT:

Wear layers of natural fibers so your body can breathe: cotton, silk, wool, rayon. Change pajamas or clothes at least once a day. 

Change your sheets and keep your your room clean and tidy. It is easier to recover in a clean environment. Make sure you have a flow of fresh air, like an open window or a fan to circulate stale air.

SUPPLEMENTS -store these in your cupboard ahead of time.

If you are taking B vitamins, STOP until you are well.

Vit C, until bowel tolerance, approx 1,000 mg 3x a day, up to 6,000 mg per day.

Preferably a form of whole food Vit C like Synergy’s Pure Radiance C or Standard Process Cataplex C.

Zinc Gluconate Lozenges or Opti Zinc: No more than 90mg per day --  must be sucked on, not swallowed, take small doses frequently.  For example, 1/4 lozenge every 30 min. If you feel nauseated, stop immediately since this is a sign of zinc toxicity and may cause copper imbalance.

Elderberry syrup (anti-viral), Sambucol, follow directions on label, do not take for more than 10 days.

Echinacea tincture, Gaia, Herb Pharm, Eclectic institute (alcohol base, not glycerin)

1 dropperful in water three times a day.

Do not take for more than 5 days; contra-indicated in auto-immune diseases or ragweed allergies.

Propolis tincture—take one dropper in water three times a day. Propolis is an excellent natural antiseptic for nose, throat and ears. Do not take for more than five days either.

Probiotics- take acidophilus, bifidus, lactobacillus daily either in yogurt or pill form. Cleansing the colon is essential for recovery.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  CALL YOUR DOCTOR if you have any of these symptoms: Fever over 102, shortness of breath or a persistent uncontrollable cough, you are persistently coughing up green and yellow sputum, you have a headache and neck pain or stiff neck, you have severe ear pain, pain around your eyes, especially with a green nasal discharge, tender lymph nodes around the neck, white coating on the throat or tonsils with a rash, or prolonged hoarseness. Rule out meningitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, strep, kidney infection, etc. 

EAR INFECTIONS AND HOMEOPATHY

EAR INFECTIONS AND HOMEOPATHY

Acute otitis media is a painful infection of the middle ear, the portion of the ear behind the eardrum. Otitis media often occurs after a cold, sore throat or other respiratory illness. Although it can affect adults, acute otitis media occurs primarily in infants and young children. It is estimated that at 7 years old up to 95% of all children in the United States have experienced at least one bout of otitis media. It is the most common reason why parents take children to the doctor.

When the Eustachian tube that connects the top of the throat to the middle ear is blocked with mucus and swelling due to a cold, fluids gather behind the eardrum, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to grow in. That alone can start an infection, generating even more fluid and creating pressure on the eardrum that can be very painful. The eardrum can become red and inflamed. Children who are too young to describe their discomfort cry, fuss, and pull at their ears. They might also appear unresponsive because they can not hear well. The accumulation of fluid in the middle ear prevents the eardrum and small bones in the ear to move, causing temporary hearing loss. Eventually, recurrent ear infections and subsequent hearing loss can affect speech and language development in a child.

Otitis media is traditionally treated with antibiotics, which sometimes reverse the infection, but do not necessarily help prevent recurrent future ear infections. In fact, the rate of resistance to antibiotics in the United States is alarmingly hight, about 25 percent. In spite of this, many pediatricians prescribe them automatically at the first sign of infection. In addition there have been a number of studies have concluded that in most cases otitis media can be handled by the immune system without antibiotics. The New York Times has published a series of articles recently on the subject (22/8/2000 NYT, 7/5/02, 10/10/04, etc), also reflecting the concern of the medical community and parent groups on the emergence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

There is also the additional concern that too many antibiotics from early childhood lead to long term adverse health effects: diarrhea, nausea, poor appetite, malaise, yeast infections in the mouth and vagina, immuno-depressants such as chronic fatigue syndrome, to name a few. As a conclusion, the use of antibiotics should be limited to serious infections that can not be overcome by the immune system itself. This is not usually the case of otitis media.

So what to do? No choice but to seek alternative ways to relieve symptoms and help the body overcome the crisis. A number of basic naturopathic principles should always be applied: the patient, especially if a child, must be always kept well hydrated; sugar, white flour and dairy products must be eliminated since they promote mucus production in the body; we must make sure the patient is kept warm and confortable at all times. Herbs like Echinacea and Propolis usually strengthen the immune system as well as vitamin C.

In addition, Classical Homeopathy, offers a large number of remedies that fight acute middle ear infections, but also strengthen the patient's constitution so that the condition does not keep recurring in subsequent infections. Here are  examples of some of these very useful remedies:

ACONITUM is prescribed for earaches that start suddenly, often after exposure to wind or cold and are accompanied by high fever, agitation and restlessness. The child´s face is red, hot and flushed and expresses anxiety.

BELLADONNA is recommended for ear infections in which the pain varies rapidly in severity but is usually worse on the right side and is accompanied by fever, facial flushing, nightmares, and sensitivity to light

CHAMOMILLA is one of the great remedies for otitis media in young children in which there is terrible pain; the child has one cheek red and the other pale, is very irritable, shrieks in pain and can only be comforted if she is cradled in the arms .

MERCURIUS is a remedy for acute and recurrent otitis with greenish or yellowish discharge in the ear. It usually affects right ear, and is accompanied by discharge and hearing loss. The child feels worse at night, and also usually has strep throat, sinusitis or bronchitis.

PULSATILLA is the remedy most often used both in cases of acute and chronic otitis media. The otitis is usually preceded by a cold. The left ear is commonly affected, and the pain is felt as if the ear is going to explode. The patient feels worse in a warm room and better outdoors. The child is very clingy and tearful.

Finally, we must always remember that homeopathic remedies are medicines and should always be used with caution and if possible, always in consultation with a professional homeopath.

HOMEOPATHY: COST EFFECTIVE MEDICINE

SWISS GOVERNMENT'S REPORT ON HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE:

COST-EFFECTIVE MEDICINE

The recent Swiss government's report on homeopathic medicine represents the most comprehensive evaluation of homeopathic medicine ever written by a government

The report was published last year in book form in English (Bornhoft and Matthiessen, 2011). This breakthrough report states that homeopathic treatment is both effective and cost-effective and recommends that homeopathic treatment be reimbursed by Switzerland's national health insurance program.

Some of the highlights of this report are:

1/ The Swiss Government´s report on Homeopathy is much more comprehensive than any previous governmental report written on homeopathy to date. Not only does this report carefully review the body of evidence from randomized double-blind and placebo controlled clinical trials testing homeopathic medicines, but it also evaluates the "real world effectiveness" as well as safety and cost-effectiveness.

2/ In terms of including empirical values, the report also notes that David Sackett, M.D., the Canadian physician who is widely considered to be one of the leading pioneers in "evidence based medicine," has expressed serious concern about those researchers and physicians who consider randomized and double-blind trials as the only means to determine whether a treatment is effective or not. To make this assertion, one would have to acknowledge that virtually all surgical procedures were "unscientific" or "unproven" because so few have undergone randomized double-blind trials.

2/ Also very interesting is how the report found a particularly strong body of evidence to support the homeopathic treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Respiratory Allergies, an area of pathology that conventional medicine has relative success with, outside temporary suppression with antibiotics and corticoids.

3/ And finally, the mention of ‘cost effectiveness’ of homeopathy is essentially important given the incessant rising expense of national health bills and insurance costs.

For those who are interested in reading further, here is a summary of the report:

The Health Technology Assessment report on effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and appropriateness of homeopathy was compiled on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office for Public Health (BAG) within the framework of the 'Program of Evaluation of Complementary Medicine (PEK)'.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Databases accessible by Internet were systematically searched, complemented by manual search and contacts with experts, and evaluated according to internal and external validity criteria.

RESULTS:

Many high-quality investigations of pre-clinical basic research proved homeopathic high-potencies inducing regulative and specific changes in cells or living organisms. 20 of 22 systematic reviews detected at least a trend in favor of homeopathy. In our estimation 5 studies yielded results indicating clear evidence for homeopathic therapy. The evaluation of 29 studies in the domain 'Upper Respiratory Tract Infections/Allergic Reactions' showed a positive overall result in favor of homeopathy. 6 out of 7 controlled studies were at least equivalent to conventional medical interventions. 8 out of 16 placebo-controlled studies were significant in favor of homeopathy. Swiss regulations grant a high degree of safety due to product and training requirements for homeopathic physicians. Applied properly, classical homeopathy has few side-effects and the use of high-potencies is free of toxic effects. A general health-economic statement about homeopathy cannot be made from the available data.

CONCLUSION:

Taking internal and external validity criteria into account, effectiveness of homeopathy can be supported by clinical evidence and professional and adequate application be regarded as safe. Reliable statements of cost-effectiveness are not available at the moment. External and model validity will have to be taken more strongly into consideration in future studies.

This is the website where to find the full Swiss government report,

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16883077

susanaaikin  gmail.com